Plenty to choose from at arts festival
An Invercargill exhibition, comprising 24 photos of the interior of Anderson House, is providing an appetiser ahead of the Southland Arts Festival in the city.
Adrienne Martyn’s photos are on display at the Invercargill Public Art Gallery and will remain available for viewing until May 5.
The exhibition will be in the early part of the festival which runs from April 25 to May 20.
Artwork and performers from throughout New Zealand are showcasing their talent at Venture Southland’s 10th festival.
Venture Southland’s creative projects manager, Angela Newell, has been the festival’s director from day one.
‘‘It’s been my baby ... I’m proud of it [the festival] and I’d like to think it’s a brand people can trust,’’ Newell, who selects the artists, said.
‘‘The standard has really grown [over the years].’’
Last year about 5000 members of the public attended.
‘‘Performing arts have grown in confidence and innovation and we’re enjoying the benefits of it now.’’
As well as holding a performance at SIT Centrestage Theatre, Nelson-based company Birdlife Productions will be taking its puppet show, Kokako’s Song, to school children in Winton, Te Anau, Lumsden, Otautau and Tuatapere.
Also in the festival’s line up is the New Zealand Youth Choir (aged 18-25), which will entertain at the First Presbyterian Church.
Formed in 1979, the choir won the International Festival of Academic Choirs in the Czech Republic in 2016 and was Choir of the World in Wales in 1999.
Another of the Southland Arts Festival’s features is White Night, which highlights the work of Southland artists in 10 venues throughout the central business district on May 5. Art will be also been seen in streets, alleyways and on buildings.
‘‘It’s about livening up the city, showcasing our people.’’
Newell saw the French version of White Night while in Europe four years ago.
She introduced it into the festival in 2016 and believes it’s holds more impact if reserved for every alternate year. ‘‘I thought it was a good concept to try.’’
Wearable art will be on display on White Night, along with performances by many artists, including jazz and opera singers, an Indian dancer, soloists, trios and duos.